Men's Experiences of an Appearance-focussed Facial-ageing Sun Protection Intervention: A Qualitative Study

The study investigated men’s experiences of taking part in an age-appearance-focussed intervention which involved seeing how their faces would age with and without UV exposure. Thirty-five men gave accounts of their experiences whilst taking part in the intervention, and eight men discussed their experiences retrospectively in focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Men were shocked about the impact of ageing on their faces, and particularly the added impact of UV exposure, with a subgroup of men expressing lack of concern. The findings are discussed in relation to gender roles and appearance concerns in men, and comparisons are made between the thematic model produced and that produced in a similar study focussing on women’s experiences of the same intervention. It is concluded that appearance-based interventions have a role to play in healthcare and educational settings with regards to UV exposure and sun protection intentions in men.